One of the kids “was seen going through garbage at their school in an attempt to find food,” according to detectives
NEED TO KNOW
- Baltimore parents Bernice Byrd and Gerald Byrd pleaded guilty to child abuse charges for their role in starving two of their four kids, resulting in one of their deaths
- The couple’s 5-year-old daughter, Zona, died in October 2024 from malnutrition, and weighed just 17.5 lbs. at the time; their 6-year-old son was also hospitalized due to malnutrition but recovered
- One of the Byrds’ kids “was seen going through garbage at their school in an attempt to find food,” according to detectives
A pair of Baltimore parents could spend life behind bars for child abuse charges after pleading guilty to starving their children, leading to one of their deaths at just 5 years old.
In October 2024, Bernice Byrd and Gerald Byrd’s 5-year-old daughter, Zona, died from malnutrition while weighing just 17.5 lbs., according to a press release from the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office.
On Thursday, Feb. 26, the couple pleaded guilty to first-degree child abuse resulting in death and first-degree child abuse for their role in starving the 5-year-old, as well as their 6-year-old son, who was hospitalized due to malnutrition and recovered following treatment, the office said…